Local wrestlers qualify for USA Wrestling Nationals
Three Sandpoint wrestlers pose for a photo at Northwest Regionals in Centrailia, Washington. From left to right, Shane Sherrill, William Bomba, and Ashlei Hawkins.
(Courtesy Photo)
Ashlei Hawkins wins a match against an opponent from Moscow during the 2022-2023 high school wrestling season.
Shane Sherrill poses with his medals at the Idaho Freestyle and Greco State Championship in Twin Falls.
Three Sandpoint High School wrestlers are set to travel around the region this summer competing against some of the best competition the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Shane Sherrill, Ashlei Hawkins and William Bomba are putting in time and effort this offseason. The trio has already competed in over 20 matches each since March — Hawkins has competed in 21, Bomba in 25 and Sherill in 40. They all have won at least one recent tournament.
Most recently, Hawkins placed sixth in the 132-pound weight class at the Idaho Freestyle and Greco State Championships in Twins Falls on April 21-22. The sophomore competed in a stacked bracket that consisted of six athletes who were in their high school’s state championship matches.
Bomba, who is only a freshman, competes in matches ranging from 195 to 220 pounds. He was named the 16U Idaho state champion in both freestyle and Greco-Roman recently. Bomba will be on the Idaho state dual team this June and will head to the National Duals Tournament in Chicago. He also qualified for the 2023 U.S. Marine Corps Junior and 16U Nationals Tournament, which will be held in Fargo, N.D., from July 15 to 23.
Sherrill, who wrestles between 138 and 145 pounds, placed fourth at the Idaho Freestyle & Greco State Championships in the 18U division in both freestyle and Greco-Roman. His placement in the championship also allowed him to qualify for the nationals tournament in Fargo. Sherrill hopes to win four matches in both Greco-Roman and freestyle at nationals.
“Being able to compete in all these tournaments around the nation has really opened my eyes,” Sherrill said. “Competition is everywhere. Over time, these tournaments have helped me gain a ton of confidence; they have shown me I can be competitive on the national level.”
Bomba and Sherrill are both in search of sponsors and donations to help fund their summer training, admissions and travel expenses. They often travel to Bonners Ferry, Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene to practice with other wrestlers who compete in Greco-Roman and freestyle tournaments. Before nationals in Fargo, the boys are headed to show off their skills in tournaments in Spokane and Boise.
